Sunday, April 4, 2010

The Graduate

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Easter and now for some more screenshot style...

Late 1960's California collegiate style has never been done as well as it was in The Graduate (1967). Watching this movie now and looking at the wardrobe draws comparisons to everything from Band of Outsiders to Take Ivy. Benjamin Braddock's wardrobe is perfect in my eyes - classic sportswear punctuated by great fitting sportcoats, slimmed up ties and cropped chinos. Ben's style can really be broken down by each act of the film. The first third sees Ben kitted out in what he probably wore while in school - jackets and ties. This is followed by his aimless bumming around stage (when his affair with Mrs. Robinson takes place and he is rarely seen without a can of beer in hand) in which he is dressed more casually - white tees, shades, swim trunks and a few crew necks. The final and hectic third act features Ben in the film's pièce de résistance - an absolute beat to shit parka, which is eventually torn to shreds courtesy of Mr. Robinson. For some S/S inspiration (I am now convinced I need a pale yellow oxford) you need look no further than one of my favorite films ever. Absolutely top notch stuff.

I've always admired that beige coat Benjamin wears throughout the film. It's a perfect Spring coat in my opinion. If you watch carefully you'll notice that the hood is actually attached to the inside of the collar rather than the outside, which is rare -- I've never seen this detail on another coat.